News Release

Friday, June 15, 2007

Police Arrest Man for Baseball Bat Murder

Los Angeles: On June 13, 2007, Los Angeles Police arrested Jason Ryan Verador, 28, in connection with the murder of 41-year-old, James McKinney.

On May 29, 2007, McKinney was walking to a store in the area of Olympic Boulevard and Wilton Place when a man walked up behind him and brutally attacked him with a baseball bat. McKinney died from his injuries five days later.

The incident was captured on a surveillance camera and investigators distributed the footage to media outlets, who aired the video on local television stations.

On June 11, 2007, Fidel Salcedo, was watching the news and saw footage of a man being hit with a baseball bat and recognized Verador.

Salcedo told investigators that he was driving in the area of Olympic Boulevard and Wilton Place and saw Verador standing on the sidewalk holding a baseball bat. Salcedo followed Verador to his house and noted the address.

Salcedo then flagged down the police and gave them the information.

Police had Verador's residence under surveillance. Verador was seen coming out of his house with a baseball bat but went back inside when he saw police. Police moved in on Verador and took him into custody. A baseball bat and additional evidence was recovered at the scene.

Verado was booked for murder with no bail.

"Salcedo displayed courage by recognizing this individual and following him. He agreed to appear here today and share with other community members the importance of getting involved, talking to police and reporting information quickly. As a result of that, he made our community much, much safer." said Captain Richard Wemmer.